How to Craft Your Essay for the $40K BigFuture Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, explore the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your formative experiences. What events or influences have shaped your identity? Consider family, community, and educational experiences.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and impact. Use metrics or specific outcomes to provide evidence of your contributions.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your education or experience. How does this scholarship help bridge that gap? Be clear about your future academic goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Use anecdotes to illustrate who you are beyond your achievements.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Each section of your essay should focus on one idea, leading the reader through your narrative. A suggested structure could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or anecdote that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they shaped your aspirations.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using specific examples and metrics.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate what you hope to achieve through further study and how the scholarship will support that.
5. Personality: Conclude with reflections on your values and how they drive your future goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice that engages the reader. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific examples that illustrate your points. Use reflection to explain why your experiences matter, answering the “So what?” question in each section. This will help the committee understand your motivations and the significance of your achievements.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay critically. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly and contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself if your essay answers the “So what?” question effectively, emphasizing the importance of your experiences and aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés. Instead, engage the reader with a unique opening.
• Don’t rely on vague language or empty claims about passion. Provide concrete examples and metrics.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active voice to emphasize your role in your achievements.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not fabricate details about your experiences or accomplishments.